"Creamy Mississippi Chicken Enchiladas" offers a comforting and flavorful dining experience, perfectly complemented by the intriguing narrative of "Where the Forest Meets the Stars" by Glendy Vanderah. The heartwarming and thought-provoking themes of the book resonate with the nurturing comfort of the enchiladas. Pair this meal with a classic Margarita, its tangy lime profile enhancing the tangy notes of the dish, creating a harmonious culinary and literary experience.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 8-10 large flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a slow cooker. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the chicken and add the sliced pepperoncini peppers. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easy to shred.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix it with the cooking juices.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken mixture with the softened cream cheese, 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Make the sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the sour cream and chicken broth until smooth and heated through. Do not let it boil.
- Assemble the enchiladas: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon about 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, then roll them up tightly and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Top with sauce and cheese: Pour the sour cream sauce evenly over the enchiladas. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese and 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake: Bake the enchiladas in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the enchiladas are heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and sliced green onions before serving.
Where the Forest Meets the Stars
A mysterious child teaches two strangers how to love and trust again. After her cancer diagnosis and the loss of her mother, Jo Teale focuses on her graduate research on nesting birds in rural Illinois. Her solitary routine is disrupted by a mysterious girl named Ursa, who claims to be an alien. As Jo and her neighbor Gabe help Ursa, they uncover dangerous truths and a new family is formed against the backdrop of the natural world.
After the loss of her mother and her own battle with breast cancer, Joanna Teale returns to her graduate research on nesting birds in rural Illinois, determined to prove that her recent hardships have not broken her. When a mysterious child shows up at her cabin, barefoot and covered in bruises, Joanna enlists the help of her reclusive neighbor, Gabriel Nash, to solve the mystery of the charming child. But the more time they spend together, the more questions they have.
Discussion Questions
- What role does the natural setting play in the development of the story?
- How do the backgrounds of Jo and Gabe influence their reactions to Ursa?
- What themes are explored through the character of Ursa?
- How does the author use mystery to drive the narrative?
- In what ways do Jo and Ursa help each other heal?
- Discuss the significance of trust in the relationships explored in the book.
- What is the importance of family in the story?
- How does the revelation of secrets affect the characters?
- What does the story suggest about alienation and belonging?
- How does the author balance scientific themes with elements of fantasy?
Authors:
Glendy Vanderah
ISBN: 1542040066
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Published Date: 2019
Classic Margarita
A refreshing and zesty Margarita, blending the smoothness of tequila with fresh lime juice, is the perfect accompaniment for the rich flavors of Creamy Mississippi Chicken Enchiladas, enhancing the dish's tangy profile.
Ingredients
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz triple sec
- Salt for rimming glass (optional)
- Lime wheel or wedge, for garnish
Instructions
- Coat the rim of a chilled glass with salt (optional).
- Fill a shaker with ice and add tequila, lime juice, and triple sec.
- Shake well and strain into the prepared glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge.